Auma Obama, sister of former US President Barack Obama, found herself caught in the chaos of anti-finance bill protests in Nairobi on Tuesday.
While being interviewed live on CNN by Larry Madowo, police fired tear gas into the crowd, including directly at Auma.
The protests erupted as Kenyan MPs debated the Finance Bill of 2024, drawing thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Nairobi. Auma, a prominent sociologist, community activist, and writer in Kenya, had joined the protesters in solidarity.
“I am here because young Kenyans are protesting for their rights,” Auma explained during the interview, amidst coughs caused by tear gas. She emphasized the importance of the demonstrations, where protestors wielded placards and banners.
Auma, known for her work with orphans and disadvantaged youth through her non-profit organization, was born in Nairobi in 1960. She pursued higher education in Germany, earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Bayreuth and also studying at the German Film and Television Academy in Berlin.
During the protests, Auma was assisted by fellow demonstrators to evade the effects of tear gas, underscoring the intensity of the situation unfolding in Nairobi.
